Iceland summer 2011

[brien_szabo]

<p>Well I'm putting away my pennies for a 7 to 10 day trip to Iceland in July of 2011 - exact week to still be determined. I've gathered up some good information in the archives here as well as elsewhere but am always looking for more info. The plan is to rent a 4x4 or 4x4 camper and do the Ring road with excursions. I'm sure we'll trod the same places as many others have but I'm also looking for any other "off-the-beaten-path" places as well. The primary interest is landscape/travel/culture style images. The east coast looks like it isn't represented as well as many other parts - is it because people just don't bother, nothing much there, or what? When a place is overlooked I generally don't mind trying a day or so to find something. Just because it isn't a main attraction doens't mean it doesn have attractive things about it. </p>

<p>So any tips on travel conditions, food tips, parks, places to stay, camping ideas, or the odd overlooked places would be greatly appreciated. What could the best week in July be to travel?</p>

[umesh_bhayaraju]

<p>oh!! you are missing northern lights... :(</p>

[martin_canning]

<p>Brien,<br>

the East coast is perhaps not as well known as other parts of Iceland - but the East Fjords are wonderful. Small villages, great light, "beaches", rocks, cliffs. I did some hiking in the area a couple of years ago and will go back to explore some more. As you mentioned the East coast is underrepresented - probably because its not as in-your-face as say the Golden Circle with the waterfalls and volcanic activity, or Jokulsarlon. Places like Seydisfiordur, Borgarfjordur Eystri, Djupivogur, Reyðarfjörður and others have a lot to offer. Or even Fáskrúðsfjörður which was strongly connected with the French fishing fleets in the past and still has street names in Icelandic and French<br>

The area also seems to be undergoing a lot of change - the traditional fishing business has been hard hit by large commercialization and this has impacted the population with many people leaving. However there are also big projects underway to develop a large hydro plant in the region that is hoped will improve services etc. - but others see it as an environmental issue.<br>

The area also has a strong folkloric history and an attachment to elves, trolls, fairies etc.<br>

If you had more time I would suggest trying some hiking in Lónsöræfi - which is a bit of a hidden jewel with colourful mountains - but the 1 week you have will not give you enough time<br>

Hotels and accommodation is relatively limited but easy enough to find in and around the towns - if you're in a camper it should be ok.<br>

In anycase the East Fjords have a lot to offer - definitely from a photographic perspective and worth a detour if you're going to do the ring</p>

[tomwatt]

<p>B&B accomodations are also available through local tourist agency. It might strain your budget, but it's a chance to really rub elbows with locals... can be a cultural eye-opener.<br>

Very touristy, but the Blue Lagoon is worth an afternoon soak.<br>

2 weeks would be better... especially if you can stay in one locale long enough to meet some people and get to know them.<br>

Most Islanders speak English well. But not all, as I found out while have a "nice conversation" with the bus driver while the bus was parked... after giving a long winded speech and question, he looked embaressed and blurted a broken "no speak" reply.<br>

I'm not certain about visa requirements... when I went through Customs on an unplanned stopover, they seemed really disapproving of my motives for entry until I explained I was a tourist, then the attitudes completely flipped and they stamped everything and were welcoming me with open arms.</p>

[tomwatt]

<p>I just remembered a couple of other things that might be helpful... you can sign up for email and information from the Iceland Tourist Board as well as some other things that may help you.<br>

Iceland Tourist Board<br>

<a href="http://www.icelandtouristboard.com/">http://www.icelandtouristboard.com/</a><br>

The Blue Lagoon<br>

<a href="http://www.bluelagoon.com/">http://www.bluelagoon.com/</a><br>

Iceland Farm Holidays (more or less a B&B scheme)<br>

<a href="http://www.farmholidays.is/">http://www.farmholidays.is/</a><br>

Iceland Review<br>

<a href="http://www.icelandreview.com/">http://www.icelandreview.com/</a></p>

[dionysmoser]

<p>Hi Brien<br>

I also organize tour in Iceland, off the beaten path, with an excellent car!<br>

Have a look in mey website.<br>

http://www.fotoreisen.ch/de/island<br>

The tour is two weeks long.<br>

Have a look in some possible photos, taken last year on the same trip.<br>

http://www.fotoreisen.ch/4images/categories.php?cat_id=121<br>

<br /><br />At the moment, there is an vulcano eruption. We also will take part vey close, if the roads will alowed.<br>

Dionys<br /><br /><img src="http://www.fotoreisen.ch/4images/data/media/122/ISL0094_Godafoss_c.jpg" alt="" width="907" height="749" /></p>

[brien_szabo]

<p>Thanks all for the responses and I will keep the tips and suggestions in mind.</p>